Top 11 CT Technologist Certifications

Certifications are an important way for CT technologists to demonstrate their commitment to the profession and to show potential employers that they have the skills and knowledge necessary for the job. They also provide evidence of professional development, which can be a valuable asset in the job market. With certifications, CT technologists can prove that they have a thorough understanding of the latest technology and techniques, which helps them stand out from other applicants. Additionally, certifications can help boost salaries and open up doors to higher-level jobs.

This article reviews the top certifications for CT Technologists and explains how they can help further a CT Technologist's career.

What are CT Technologist Certifications?

CT Technologist Certification is a credential that demonstrates a technologist's knowledge and experience in the field of computed tomography (CT) imaging. This certification is offered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).

A CT technologist certification is beneficial to employers, patients, and technologists themselves. It helps ensure that CT technologists have the necessary skills and knowledge to provide safe, high-quality care. Employers can also use this credential as a way to demonstrate their commitment to providing competent care. Additionally, having a certified CT technologist on staff can be seen as a sign of quality and may help attract new patients.

For technologists, earning their certification serves as an important milestone in their professional development. It provides them with proof that they are qualified for the work they do and can increase job satisfaction. Having a certificate can also lead to higher wages or more opportunities for advancement within the field.

Pro Tip: Make sure to complete all necessary requirements and take the appropriate examinations before attempting to become a Certified CT Technologist. Knowing what is required ahead of time will help you stay organized and on track to achieve your certification goals.

Related: What does a CT Technologist do?

Top 11 CT Technologist Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to CT Technologists today.

1. American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT)

The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) is a professional organization that certifies and registers individuals in the field of radiologic technology. ARRT certification is recognized as the standard for excellence in medical imaging, radiation therapy, and nuclear medicine technologists.

It takes approximately six months to complete the process of becoming certified by ARRT. The first step is to meet the educational requirements, which includes completing an accredited program in radiography, radiation therapy, nuclear medicine technology or magnetic resonance imaging. After completing an approved program, you must submit an application to take the ARRT examination.

The cost of taking the exam varies depending on your profession and state. Generally, it costs around $200-$400 for each exam. Once you have passed the exam, you will be eligible to become a certified radiologic technologist and receive your ARRT certification number. You will also need to complete continuing education credits every two years to maintain your certification status with ARRT.

2. American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS)

The American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) is a professional organization that sets standards for the practice of diagnostic medical sonography. It provides certification and credentialing services to qualified professionals in the field. ARDMS certification is recognized as the gold standard in the industry and is required by many employers.

To become certified, applicants must pass an exam administered by ARDMS. The exam covers topics such as anatomy, physiology, patient care, instrumentation, ultrasound physics, and image acquisition. The exam typically takes 4-6 hours to complete and can be taken at a Pearson VUE testing center or online.

In order to apply for an ARDMS certification exam, you must have completed a CAAHEP or CMA accredited program in diagnostic medical sonography. You must also submit an application form along with supporting documents such as transcripts, proof of education, and proof of experience (if applicable). Once your application has been approved, you can register for the exam and pay the associated fee ($300-$600 depending on the type of certification).

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your official ARDMS certificate within 8-10 weeks. This certificate will be valid for five years from the date of issue and must be renewed every five years in order to remain active.

3. American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT)

The American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) is a professional membership organization for radiologic technologists, radiation therapists, and medical dosimetrists. It was founded in 1920 and is the largest radiologic science association in the world. The ASRT provides educational resources, professional development opportunities, and advocacy for its members.

To become an ASRT member, you must meet certain eligibility requirements such as having a degree from an accredited radiology program or a minimum of one year of experience working in the field. You must also pass a criminal background check and have no disciplinary action taken against you by any state licensing board. Once you meet these requirements, you can apply for membership online.

The cost of joining ASRT depends on your level of membership. A basic membership costs $45 per year and includes access to educational resources, discounts on certification exams, and other benefits. Professional memberships cost $99 per year and include additional benefits such as access to exclusive job postings and discounts on continuing education courses.

It usually takes about two weeks to process your application once it has been submitted online. After that, you will receive your membership card in the mail within four to six weeks.

4. Certified Radiology Administrator (CRA)

Certified Radiology Administrator (CRA) is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated expertise in the management and administration of radiology services. The CRA credential is offered by the American College of Radiology (ACR).

In order to become certified, an individual must meet certain requirements and pass an examination administered by the ACR. The requirements include: having a minimum of two years of full-time experience in a radiology setting; completing at least 30 hours of continuing education credits related to radiology; and passing an exam that covers topics such as personnel management, financial operations, quality assurance, legal issues, and technology.

The CRA exam is offered twice each year at locations across the United States. It typically takes about four hours to complete and costs $450 for ACR members or $650 for non-members. After successfully completing the exam, applicants will receive their CRA certification within six weeks.

The cost of obtaining a Certified Radiology Administrator credential varies depending on whether or not you are an ACR member. For members, it costs $450 for the exam plus any additional fees associated with continuing education courses required for eligibility. For non-members, it costs $650 plus any additional fees associated with continuing education courses required for eligibility.

5. Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB)

The Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB) is a non-profit organization that provides certification for nuclear medicine technologists. The NMTCB administers the national Nuclear Medicine Technologist Certification Examination, which is designed to assess the knowledge and skills of those who wish to become certified in this field.

It typically takes 6-12 months to complete the certification process. To get certified, you must first meet all of the eligibility requirements set by the NMTCB, which include having a minimum of an associate degree in nuclear medicine technology from an accredited program, completing a clinical internship or residency, and passing a criminal background check. Once these requirements are met, you can register for the exam and submit your application materials to the NMTCB.

The cost of getting certified through the NMTCB varies depending on when you register for the exam and how many times you take it. Generally speaking, it costs $400-$600 for registration fees and $200-$300 for retake fees if needed.

6. Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI)

Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) is a non-profit organization that provides certification and credentialing to cardiovascular professionals. CCI offers specialized certifications in the following areas: Adult Echocardiography, Nuclear Cardiology, Cardiac Electrophysiology, Cardiac CT, and Vascular Interpretation. The certification process for each of these areas requires applicants to pass an exam as well as demonstrate their knowledge and skills through clinical experience.

The process of obtaining CCI certification can take up to six months from the time of application submission. Applicants must complete an online application form and submit it along with a fee of $400 USD. Once the application is approved, applicants will be required to register for the appropriate examination, which must be taken within six months of submitting the application. After passing the exam, applicants must then submit proof of clinical experience in order to receive their certification.

The cost for CCI certification varies depending on the specialty chosen; however, all applications require a $400 USD fee upon submission. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with taking the exam or completing any necessary clinical experience requirements before receiving your certification.

7. American College of Radiology (ACR)

The American College of Radiology (ACR) is a professional medical society representing more than 37,000 radiologists, radiation oncologists, nuclear medicine physicians, interventional radiologists and medical physicists. The ACR is dedicated to serving patients and society by advancing the practice, science and professions of radiological care.

It takes approximately two years to complete the process of becoming an ACR member. To become an ACR member you must meet certain qualifications such as holding a valid license in your state or country, being certified by the American Board of Radiology or equivalent board and having completed at least three years of post-graduate training in an accredited program. You must also have been actively engaged in clinical practice for one year prior to submitting your application.

To apply for membership you must submit an application form along with supporting documents such as transcripts from medical school, certification from the American Board of Radiology or equivalent board and letters of recommendation from colleagues who are already members of the ACR. Once your application has been reviewed it will be approved or denied by the Membership Committee.

The cost for membership varies depending on your chosen category: Active Member ($1,095), Associate Member ($595), Resident/Fellow Member ($395) and Student Member ($50).

8. National Board of Echocardiography (NBE)

The National Board of Echocardiography (NBE) is a non-profit organization that provides certification for echocardiographers. It is the only national certifying body in the United States dedicated to echocardiography and its related technologies. The NBE was founded in 1987 and has certified over 18,000 individuals in the field.

To become certified by the NBE, applicants must meet certain educational and experience requirements, pass a written examination, and complete an oral exam. The written exam consists of multiple-choice questions on topics such as anatomy and physiology, physics and instrumentation, clinical applications, and diagnostic techniques. The oral exam focuses on clinical case studies and data interpretation skills.

It typically takes about 6 months to complete the entire certification process. To get started, applicants must first submit an application packet to the NBE which includes all necessary documentation such as transcripts from accredited programs, proof of professional experience in echocardiography, and a fee for processing the application. Once approved, applicants will be sent instructions on how to register for the written examination. After passing this test they can then apply to take the oral examination.

The cost of becoming certified through the NBE varies depending on factors such as experience level and type of certification sought (e.g., RDCS or RCS). Generally speaking, it costs around $1,200-$2,000 to become certified by the NBE which covers both written and oral examinations plus any additional fees associated with applying for certification.

9. American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)

The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) is a professional membership organization that provides certification, education, and advocacy for clinical laboratory professionals. It has been in existence since 1922 and is the world’s largest professional society of clinical laboratory professionals.

ASCP offers several certifications for medical laboratory scientists, including the Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) certification and the Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) certification. To become certified as an MLS or MLT, you must meet certain educational and experience requirements. You must also pass an exam administered by ASCP to demonstrate your knowledge in the field.

The amount of time it takes to get certified through ASCP depends on how quickly you can complete the necessary requirements and take the exam. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from a few months to a year or more to become certified through ASCP.

To get certified through ASCP, you must first apply online at their website. During this process, you will need to provide proof of your educational background and any relevant work experience in the field of medical laboratory science. Once your application has been approved, you will then be able to register for the appropriate exam(s).

The cost of getting certified through ASCP varies depending on which certification(s) you are seeking. The cost typically includes an application fee plus fees associated with taking the exams themselves. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $200-$500 USD to become certified through ASCP depending on which certifications you are pursuing.

10. Computed Tomography Professional Certification Board (CTPCB)

The Computed Tomography Professional Certification Board (CTPCB) is a professional organization that provides certification for individuals who work in the field of computed tomography (CT). The CTPCB offers two certifications: the Certified CT Technologist (CCT) and the Registered CT Technologist (RCT). The CCT is designed for technologists who have completed an accredited program in computed tomography, while the RCT is designed for technologists who have at least three years of experience in computed tomography.

In order to obtain either certification, applicants must pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as patient care, imaging techniques, radiation safety and protection, and quality assurance. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete. Applicants must also meet certain educational requirements and provide proof of continuing education credits.

It typically takes between six to eight weeks to receive results from the CTPCB after taking the exam. Once applicants pass the exam, they will receive their certificate within two weeks.

The cost of obtaining certification through the CTPCB varies depending on whether you are applying for initial or renewal certification. Initial certification costs $250 USD while renewal costs $175 USD.

11. American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM).

The American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) is a professional organization dedicated to advancing the science, education, and professional practice of medical physics. Founded in 1958, AAPM has over 8,000 members worldwide who are engaged in medical physics research and clinical practice.

Membership in AAPM is open to any individual with an interest in medical physics. To become a member, you must submit an application and pay the annual membership fee. The fee varies depending on your profession and country of residence. For example, the annual fee for a Professional Member (physicist or engineer) residing in the United States is $210 USD.

In addition to regular membership, there are several other types of membership available including Student Membership ($35 USD), Emeritus Membership ($50 USD), International Membership ($100 USD), and Corporate Membership ($1,500 USD).

Once your application and payment have been processed, you will be granted access to all of AAPM's resources including its website where you can find educational materials, research papers and journals related to medical physics. You will also receive discounts on conference registration fees and publications from AAPM's publishing partner Elsevier.

Overall, becoming a member of AAPM can provide many benefits for those interested in pursuing a career in medical physics or furthering their knowledge about this field.

Do You Really Need a CT Technologist Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on what kind of career you are interested in pursuing. If you want to become a CT technologist, then the answer is yes, you need a CT technologist certificate. Becoming certified in this field will give you the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in your chosen career path.

A CT technologist certificate can be earned by taking classes at an accredited college or university or through a specialized training program. The courses cover topics such as anatomy, physics, medical terminology, imaging technology and patient care. Once you have completed the required coursework, you must pass an examination administered by an accredited institution before receiving your certification.

Having a CT technologist certificate can open many doors for those looking to pursue a career in this field. It demonstrates to potential employers that you have the necessary knowledge and experience to perform well in this role. It also helps set you apart from other applicants who may not have obtained their certification. Furthermore, having a CT technologist certificate can help increase your chances of getting hired as it proves that you are qualified and knowledgeable about the job duties associated with being a CT technologist.

In conclusion, if you are serious about becoming a CT technologist then obtaining your certification is essential. It provides evidence that you possess the necessary skills and knowledge for success in this field and gives employers confidence that they are hiring someone qualified for the job role.

Related: CT Technologist Resume Examples

FAQs About CT Technologist Certifications

1. What certifications are available for CT technologists?

Answer: There are several certifications available for CT technologists, including Certified Radiologic Technologist (CRT), Certified Radiology Technologist in Computed Tomography (CRT-CT), Registered Technologist in Computed Tomography (RT-CT) and American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) Computed Tomography Certification.

2. What is the difference between CRT and RT-CT certifications?

Answer: The primary difference between CRT and RT-CT certifications is that the CRT certification focuses on general radiologic technology, while the RT-CT certification focuses exclusively on computed tomography.

3. How long does it take to become certified as a CT technologist?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to become certified as a CT technologist depends on the specific certification program you choose to pursue, but most programs require completion of a two-year associate degree or four-year bachelor’s degree program in radiology technology, followed by passing an exam administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).

4. Do I need to be licensed to work as a CT technologist?

Answer: Yes, most states require licensure for those working as CT technologists. Requirements vary by state but usually include successful completion of an approved educational program and passing an exam administered by the ARRT.

5. What continuing education requirements do I need to meet in order to maintain my certification?

Answer: In order to maintain your certification, you must complete at least 24 hours of continuing education within a three year period, with at least 12 hours being in Category A credits related specifically to radiology technology or computed tomography.